UN chief urges investing in clean air to save lives

Guterres highlighted that "99 percent of humanity breathes polluted air," which contributes to an estimated 8 million premature deaths annually, including over 700,000 children under five. He warned that pollution is not only a health crisis but also exacerbates economic struggles and accelerates global warming, thus worsening the climate crisis. The most vulnerable—women, children, and the elderly—bear the brunt of this silent killer, Guterres emphasized.

To address this urgent issue, Guterres proposed several actions for governments and businesses: phasing out fossil fuels, enhancing air quality monitoring, enforcing stricter air-quality standards, promoting renewable energy, supporting clean cooking solutions, developing sustainable transport and waste management systems, and reducing harmful emissions. He also stressed the importance of implementing carbon pricing.

The UN chief urged development organizations, financial institutions, and philanthropies to redirect investments toward clean-air technologies to address the intertwined crises of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. "We must collaborate at both regional and global levels," Guterres stated.

"Investing in clean air not only saves lives but also combats climate change, strengthens economies, fosters equitable societies, and advances the Sustainable Development Goals," he concluded.